detonator

noun

det·​o·​na·​tor ˈde-tᵊn-ˌā-tər How to pronounce detonator (audio)
-tə-ˌnā-
: a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating a high explosive

Examples of detonator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Federal Police’s bomb disposal unit removed the detonator, officials said. — Dragana Jovanovic, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 After examining the drone, the Federal Police's IED unit was able to successfully remove its detonator. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 Weapons, explosives, detonators, work tools, helmets, lighters, matches, smoke bombs, spray cans. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026 When the detonators fired, the cameras captured what Brixner could not have seen—the very first light of a violent, silent sea of energy unfurling into the basin. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonator

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detonator was in 1822

Rhymes for detonator

See All Rhymes for detonator

Browse Nearby Words

detonative
detonator
detort
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detonator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonator. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detonator

noun
det·​o·​na·​tor ˈdet-ᵊn-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce detonator (audio)
-ə-ˌnāt-
: a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating another explosive

More from Merriam-Webster on detonator

Nglish: Translation of detonator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detonator

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